Municipal Committee Specialized in Forest Fires established for the 2018 season. This afternoon the installation of the Municipal Committee
Specialized in Forest Fires for the Season 2018 of Isla Mujeres was carried out
with the objective of preventing these types of contingencies in the municipality. This committee is formed evey year by the City of Isla Mujeres in anticipation of the burning season by campesinos/farmers, which goes from
February 1 to the beginning of April, to prevent this activity from getting out of control. The coordinator of Civil Protection and Fire, Ulises Berman Graniel,
said that the municipal government is committed to protecting both
citizens and their property, so these security measures are of great
importance. Mr. Berman said, "For those of us who are part of the City, the protection of
islanders and visitors is very important, we know that many tourists go
to forest areas in the municipality and we are working to avoid any type
of accidents." For
this reason, the municipal government of Isla Mujeres asks the
community in general to prevent fires by not making campfires in forest
areas, and not throwing cigarette butts, as well as calling emergency numbers
immediately if they witness a fire. Names are given of attendees.

For Isla Mujeres to remain a beautiful and clean municipality, we keep the Trash Transfer Facility active.

The Trash Transfer Facility is working at full capacity. Every day we collect more than 40 tons of garbage.VIDEO

We collect 40 tons of garbage every day.

It says more than 14,000 tons have been removed in the past two years. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~From Tvisla Mujeres ( link to photos & articles)

There is a video of an interview with Miguel Ramón Martín, precandidate for legislator of the Movimiento Ciudadano party.

Presentation of Kings & Queens of CarnavalValidan elección de reyes del carnaval [+] Ver masFull article at this link
Sunday evening, the Kings and Queens of Carnaval were presented by the organizing committee. Carnaval will be celebrated Feb. 9 thru 13th, and the King and Queen are Weyler Josué Díaz Ricalde and Lucía Guadalupe Koyoc Ruíz. The children king and queen are Leticia Anahí Herrera Uc and Edwin Aaron Trejo Caamal; the youth king and queen are María Luisa Magaña Trejo and Edwin Alexander Lora Marín; and the queen of sexual diversity is Usieek Hernández Ramírez (Zavaleta Dupreyn).

Trash Transfer Facility is no longer saturatedNiegan saturación en la Estación de Transferencia.. [+] Ver masFull article at this linkJosé Ríos Chalé, director of Public Services, said that the Trash Transfer Facility is no longer saturated, and the last of nine years of stagnant trash was removed a few weeks ago. The presence of thousands of tons of trash had presented a bad image, as well as bad odors affecting several businesses, in addition to the risk of contamination of the coast and sea by liquids leaching into the subsoil, due to a lack of protective membrane. Mr. Rios Chale said this type experience, which was caused by official negligence, will not occur again, because this municipal government is gradually renewing the fleet of vehicles, to prevent mechanical failures, so there are no setbacks in this effort. He said that in just a few weeks, hundreds of tons of trash were removed, that had been accumulated for years. He said the current municipal government is committed to clearing this facility so that the trash generated on the island is only deposited there while waiting to be transported to the regional landfill on the mainland. He said during this high season of tourism, 50 tons of trash are received daily, which is moved immediately after it is collected. He explained that over nine years, around 14,000 tons of garbage had accumulated, creating an environmental problem, however the current administration decided to solve this problem with an intensive sanitation program.

Citizen collaboration He said, "The municipal government through Public Services department, maintains its
commitment to continue working to have a clean municipality and to prevent the Transfer Facility from becoming saturated again". In conclusion, Mr. Ríos Chalé said that the goal of keeping Isla Mujeres clean includes increasing the areas that are swept, with the hiring of more personnel, thereby
ensuring that the streets are much cleaner and citizens are asked to do their part to fully achieve this.

Playa Centro beach: Protected from winds

Playa Centro, sitio protegido [+] Ver masFull article at this link Playa Centro beach is a protected site during this period of northeasterly winds, because of its geographical position, allowing thousands of vacationers to enjoy this attraction. The lifeguards with the Civil Protection department kept the swimmers within the buoy line, for their protection from the small boats. It is noted that there have been multiple requests that the Integral Port Administration of Quintana Roo (Apiqroo) to provide maintenance for the historical lighthouse that has faced that beach, on the Rueda Medina boardwalk, for more than a century. Tourist service providers say it is in a bad state, which contrasts the good condition of the beach, which should not continue.

Closure of port for small boats again is expectedInminente nuevo cierre del puerto. [+] Ver masFull article at this link Jan. 29 The Harbor Master anticipated closure of the port for small boats again tonight (Monday) with the arrival of Norte #25, which is expected to have gusts of wind of more than 50 km/hr. It is expected that nautical recreational activity in the Bay, diving, snorkeling, and trips to Isla Contoy will be suspended for Tuesday, and in the following days due to this polar air mass that is expected to cause waves of up to four meters in the Yucatan channel. The port was open partially on Sunday and for general navigation on Monday, when the intensity of the southeasterly winds decreased, but there was a persistent drizzle during the night, until dawn. This didn't prevent the departure of many of the small boats for fishing ribereña on Monday. Poor weather has kept them in port for many days of this month, which impacts their economic situations.

Forecast predicts temps could drop to 16 degrees
The SEMAR forecast for the next 24 hours (from Monday) for the northwestern
region of the Caribbean Sea, from 24 nautical miles to the coastal areas, there will be northeast wind of 20-25 knots
with gusts of 30 knots and waves of 7-12 feet. Visibility of 5 nautical miles due to rain. For
Wednesday the strength of the wind is expected to drop to 15-20 knots, with gusts of
25 knots and waves of 7-10 feet, and to continue for the following days. This weekend we could still feel effects of the polar air mass that is expected to lower
the temperature to 16 degrees in the early hours of Tuesday, for the
second time this year. The National Meteorological Service forecasts more heavy rain in Quintana Roo, as well as showers in Yucatan. Civil Protection recommends sheltering children and seniors well.

Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed.

A large slider
opens from each of the 3 rooms onto the patio where each has a table
& chairs, hammock & clotheslines. The BBQ is behind the pole,
and the outdoor shower is outa the pic at left.

Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen. A queen & single bed.

Free
amenities such as
hammocks,
bikes, outdoor shower,
portable beach
chairs &
beach towels,
washer, loungers.
Breathtaking
panoramic views from the
rooftop terrace. Upstairs room also available.Downtown
is ~ a mile away; if
you don't feel like
walking or biking, flag a $2 taxi. Parking. You can enjoy the music & crowds downtown, then
come home our
quiet neighborhood of Bachilleres where you'll sleep to the sounds of the sea.. $275/$325/$425 wk $40/50/$65nt Monthly Discounts

Fine
dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the
traditional neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Within
ten minutes walk are the restaurants Mango Cafe, Brisas, Manolitos,
Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, and the large department store-grocery
Chedraui. Visit marinas, bars, & beach
clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Attend Yoga classes a
couple villas away at hotelito Casa
Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks
away in the village, as well as a
variety of other stores and small local restaurants. It takes
20-30 minutes to walk downtown.

Saturday, Jan. 6 Día de Reyes/ King's Day
This day commemorates when the three kings or Magi visited Jesus &
is the culmination of the twelve days of Christmas. Traditionally this
is the day when Mexican children receive gifts (which
are brought by the three kings as opposed to Santa). It is customary to
eat Rosca de reyes, a sweet bread that represents King Herod's
crown with figurines of baby Jesus hidden inside. Whoever finds the
token in their piece is obligated to host a party on Candlemas Day (Dia
de la Candelaria), Feb. 2, which usually includes tamales.

Festival for King's Day (Jan. 6) at the el Pescador baseball field in
front of Chedruai on Saturday starting at 5p. More than 6000 people are
expected to attend to enjoy the entertainment, surprises, and presents.
There's also a toy giveaway at Ruben's restaurant on Guerrero, but as
of 8am on Jan. 5, they're unsure what time....probably ~11am.

Jan. 6 is Día de la Enfermera.
This
special day was established in 1931, when Dr. Jose Villagrana said
nurses were like a "regalo de reyes"...a gift from the Magi.
(International Nurse's Day is celebrated on May 12th, the birthday of
Florence Nightingale).

Sun. Jan. 7 Noches Magicas entertainment on the Town Square at 8p.

Jan
7-17 Art Festival & Exhibition “Festival de Arte Mutuo” / "Mutual
Art Festival". 17 artists creating six murals at various locations
around the isle, children's workshops, and an exhibition at the Casa de
la Cultura with art on sale.

Thurs. Jan. 11 Artist Fair at the Casa de la Cultura 3-8p. On the back street Guerrero at the cross street Abasolo.

Sun. Jan. 14 Noches Magicas entertainment on the Town Square at 8p

Thurs. Jan. 18 Artist Fair at the Casa de la Cultura 3-8p. On the back street Guerrero at the cross street Abasolo.

Sun. Jan. 21 Noches Magicas entertainment on the Town Square at 8p

Thurs. Jan. 25 Artist Fair at the Casa de la Cultura 3-8p. On the back street Guerrero at the cross street Abasolo.

Friday. Jan. 26 Golden Bross Circus performance at 7pm on Caribbean
Coastal Road. Their ad says:After 13 years of absence the Golden Bross
Circus is returning to Isla
Mujeres! Now bigger and better with international acts & artists,
lasting almost two hours! Great circus for the children with Mickey
Mouse & premiering Peppa Pig! Gala Event! Short Run Don't Miss it! Link to their FB page.

Sun.
Jan. 28 Noches Magicas on the Town Square at 8p will feature a
presentation of the Kings & Queens of Carnaval in all categories

Tues. Jan. 30 Aguakan is announcing that the tap water supply to certain areas
of Cancun, and Isla Mujeres, may be affectedwhen they conduct preventative maintenance replacing the circulation valves at the pumping station by the Cancun Airport.

Sources for Weather Information:LINK to Civil Protection Q Roo weather bulletin (Spanish)LINK to Mexico National Weather Service (Spanish) LINK
to satellite images for the Mexico National Weather Service (Yucatan
peninsula is under Satellite GOES Este, I recommend "Animacion" (it used
to be in my blog margin, until Blogger became incompatible with it).LINK to a private weather station on Isla Mujeres

Punta Sur is the
highest point of the Yucatan Peninsula and therefore is the first place
in Mexico where the sun's rays touch the earth (Technically, the highest points on the Yucatan Peninsula are in Guatemala. I think Punta Sur is the highest point in Quintana Roo. Usually it is said that the sun's rays touch Punta Sur first in Mexico because it is the easternmost point.)

Every summer, whale sharks migrate to the warm waters of #IslaMujeres. In our Pueblo Magico you can take tours to swim with them in their natural habitat.

This is a reminder that these are the last days to take advantage of the 15% discount on property taxes that is available in January. In February, the discount will be 10%. There is information about other discounts that are available and the hours and location for making payments. It says that thanks to these payments, work is being done to improve the municipality.

From the City's Institute of Art & Culture FB page:Presentation of the Kings and Queens of Carnaval 2018

We are maintaining the clean up and transfer of trash from the Trash Transfer Facility.

Residents are invited to take advantage of the property tax discount offered in January. LINK

There is a weather forecast and reminder not to forget your umbrellasLINK Weather forecast for today Monday January 29 in Quintana Roo provided by the National Weather Service.Cold
front 25 and prefrontal trough (low pressure channel) are located as follows: one on
the southern portion of the Gulf of Mexico and the other on the Yucatan
Peninsula;both systems are moving slowly to the southeast;they will cause a decrease in temperatures, with cool winds from the north.

There is a press release from the police department about zero tolerance of corruption and the suspension of an officer following a complaint from a tourist about being extorted for a bribe. See Por Esto section. LINK .

Traffic officer suspended for allegedly taking bribesCausa baja agente de Tránsito “mordelón”. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
The Director of the Department of Public Safety and Traffic dismissed a traffic officer for alleged extortion of tourists using golf carts, and the officer was turned over to the municipal Legal Department for a determination of responsibilities.
Jaime Ongay Ortiz, the Chief of Police, said the complaint took place on Saturday afternoon, and the officer, A.A.C.A., was promptly suspended from the Department and turned over to the Legal Department to determine the administrative responsibilities, and whether it is a criminal case.
The Chief of Police said, "We will not tolerate any act of this type in this government. The safety of families and their integrity are a priority. Acts of corruption are not tolerated and the necessary sanctions and actions will be applied to prevent this from happening again."
Mr. Ongay Ortiz said that with these actions the municipal government confirms its commitment to providing a Public Safety Department that works with honesty and responsibility, fulfilling its primary duty, which is to ensure the safety of families and of each of the visitors to Isla Mujeres.
Thus, he emphasized, the municipality of Isla Mujeres is committed to providing families and visitors with a police force that provides security and confidence, adding, "This Saturday afternoon, a citizen (tourist) complaint was promptly attended to and in accordance with the investigation, an officer of the Municipal Transit department was removed from his position and accused of alleged acts of extortion of a tourist."

There are more cases

According to complaints on social networks by those affected, including Neil Smith and Lissa Hayes, there are more cases, taking money from visitors who are using golf carts and not giving them a receipt. (The text below was posted by Neil Smith on the FB page "Islaholics". Lissa Hayes posted screenshots of tourist complaints onto the municipal police department FB page).
The following text is circulating on the Internet, from affected American visitors: "We just returned yesterday from our first trip to Isla I must say it was
a wonderful trip the food was delicious and the hotel was really nice.
Only one incident that I feel people should be aware of we rented golf
carts one day and went out to dinner at Olivia’s had some of the best
short ribs I’ve ever had, on the way back to the hotel we were pulled
over by the police and accused of drunk driving and hauled off to the
police station and told the infraction would cost us 180
US which we didn’t have. Long story short we were shaken down by the
police for whatever cash we had in our pockets and then let go. We went
back to our room and started reading on Trip Advisor that this is a
very common practice, also ran into two people the next day that had the
same experience the night we did. It left us shaken about the level of
corruption in the Isla police force. The very people that are supposed to
provide security are the ones that are making it feel like security
doesn’t exist. Just a warning to people who are planning a trip there." (In response to a comment asking if he'd been drinking, he wrote:"My
wife and I shared a bottle of wine over a 2 to 3 hour dinner so I was
not drunk. I asked for a field sobriety test and wasn’t given one".) In another case, Alex Vallejos posted on Saturday that a Traffic officer wouldn't explain the detention of a golf cart that was being used by foreigners, except that the apparent cause was the woman had a beer, which he described as 'literally vulgar extortion". According to the complainants, the officer requested 1200 pesos to release the vehicle, which caused anger and discomfort among the occupants. The resident who helped these tourists, so they would not suffer more problems on their visit, since their cart lease was by the hour, commented, "With these attitudes by authorities, how are tourists going to return? It damages the image of this place."

Increasing erosion on North BeachAvanza la erosión en Playa Norte. [+] Ver masFull article at this link The strong winds of the recent cold fronts have caused greater erosion
in the affected area of ​​Playa Norte, and the little sand that arrived in
spring-summer has disappeared again.The biggest problem can be seen from the Chichis restaurant to the
Magaña family pier, a stretch of 300 meters, just where half a dozen
geotubes deflated five years ago. Hundreds of square meters of beach surface that had recovered last
year have disappeared, while forecasters say the number of cold fronts this season could reach 50, causing greater damage to Playa Norte. (Note: Not all the cold fronts reach the Yucatan.) The effects of cold front #25 are expected to be felt Monday evening. Businesses owning concessions in the Federal Zone built three lines of levee-structures to try and retain or recover sand. The geotubes that were installed after Hurricane Wilma in 2005 were effective, and although they had an expected lifespan of three decades, they have deflated due to lack of maintenance. There was a recovery of about 10,000 square meters of sand in the area known as Playa Sol.

300 meter buoy line restoredRestablecieron 300 metros de boyas. [+]Ver masFull article at this linkThree hundred meters of buoys on North Beach were restored, according to lifeguards with the Civil Protection agency. They had been broken
by the strong effects of the cold front number 24, and repairs were completed on Saturday. This line, whose purpose is to protect the swimmers from small boats entering the swimming area, was reestablished from ChiChi's restaurant to the NaBalam hotel. Por Esto reported that breakage of several sections of buoys occurred on Thursday and Friday, and now with this new line of buoys, the safety of the swimmers is ensured for several months, during the winter and Easter holiday seasons. Generally, weakness of the ropes occurs because some boats that bring tourists to the area use the buoy line to tie up and they lean on it, despite warnings from the lifeguards, and it is not designed for this purpose and over time, this tends to weaken it quickly. The Civil Protection lifeguards reported there have been no incidents, and that the numbers of visitors to the beach increased after noon. The Harbor Master also reported no incidents, after the port was reopened to navigation by all vessels. (? See article below)Partial reopening of the port Parcial reapertura del puerto. [+] Ver masFull article at this link Jan. 28 The Harbor Master's Office of Isla Mujeres reopened the port for
navigation in the bay with recreational activity, travel to Isla Contoy National Park and fishing
activities are still prohibited. This was done because at 8:30am the winds had dropped to 22 km/hr. More than 50 boats that are dedicated to tourist recreation, and come from
Cancun and the Punta Sam-Isla Mujeres continental area, activated their services to bring their
clients to enjoy the waters, beaches and sites of historical and
ecotourism activities and sites of the island, according to port officials.The Harbor Master predicted that the port could be fully reopened for all boats on Monday. However, the port could be closed again for small vessels on Monday evening, when effects are expected from the arrival of Cold Front #25. This authorization allowed recreational activity in the Bay including visiting Los Manchones, Garrafón, Cruz de la Bahia, Musa, Dolphin Discovery, Sac-Bajo and El Farito, and their coral reefs. Regarding the closure of trips to the Isla Contoy reserve, they said that it is because the waves are still high, which could generate problems, and everyone must leave the park by 5:00pm. Last night, it was raining at time but this stopped at dawn, when there were cloudy skies, but they gradually cleared as the sun rose.

Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed.

A large slider
opens from each of the 3 rooms onto the patio where each has a table
& chairs, hammock & clotheslines. The BBQ is behind the pole,
and the outdoor shower is outa the pic at left.

Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen. A queen & single bed.

Free
amenities such as
hammocks,
bikes, outdoor shower,
portable beach
chairs &
beach towels,
washer, loungers.
Breathtaking
panoramic views from the
rooftop terrace. Upstairs room also available.Downtown
is ~ a mile away; if
you don't feel like
walking or biking, flag a $2 taxi. Parking. You can enjoy the music & crowds downtown, then
come home our
quiet neighborhood of Bachilleres where you'll sleep to the sounds of the sea.. $275/$325/$425 wk $40/50/$65nt Monthly Discounts

Fine
dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the
traditional neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Within
ten minutes walk are the restaurants Mango Cafe, Brisas, Manolitos,
Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, and the large department store-grocery
Chedraui. Visit marinas, bars, & beach
clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Attend Yoga classes a
couple villas away at hotelito Casa
Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks
away in the village, as well as a
variety of other stores and small local restaurants. It takes
20-30 minutes to walk downtown.

Saturday, Jan. 6 Día de Reyes/ King's Day
This day commemorates when the three kings or Magi visited Jesus &
is the culmination of the twelve days of Christmas. Traditionally this
is the day when Mexican children receive gifts (which
are brought by the three kings as opposed to Santa). It is customary to
eat Rosca de reyes, a sweet bread that represents King Herod's
crown with figurines of baby Jesus hidden inside. Whoever finds the
token in their piece is obligated to host a party on Candlemas Day (Dia
de la Candelaria), Feb. 2, which usually includes tamales.

Festival for King's Day (Jan. 6) at the el Pescador baseball field in
front of Chedruai on Saturday starting at 5p. More than 6000 people are
expected to attend to enjoy the entertainment, surprises, and presents.
There's also a toy giveaway at Ruben's restaurant on Guerrero, but as
of 8am on Jan. 5, they're unsure what time....probably ~11am.

Jan. 6 is Día de la Enfermera.
This
special day was established in 1931, when Dr. Jose Villagrana said
nurses were like a "regalo de reyes"...a gift from the Magi.
(International Nurse's Day is celebrated on May 12th, the birthday of
Florence Nightingale).

Sun. Jan. 7 Noches Magicas entertainment on the Town Square at 8p.

Jan
7-17 Art Festival & Exhibition “Festival de Arte Mutuo” / "Mutual
Art Festival". 17 artists creating six murals at various locations
around the isle, children's workshops, and an exhibition at the Casa de
la Cultura with art on sale.

Thurs. Jan. 11 Artist Fair at the Casa de la Cultura 3-8p. On the back street Guerrero at the cross street Abasolo.

Sun. Jan. 14 Noches Magicas entertainment on the Town Square at 8p

Thurs. Jan. 18 Artist Fair at the Casa de la Cultura 3-8p. On the back street Guerrero at the cross street Abasolo.

Sun. Jan. 21 Noches Magicas entertainment on the Town Square at 8p

Thurs. Jan. 25 Artist Fair at the Casa de la Cultura 3-8p. On the back street Guerrero at the cross street Abasolo.

Friday. Jan. 26 Golden Bross Circus performance at 7pm on Caribbean
Coastal Road. Their ad says:After 13 years of absence the Golden Bross
Circus is returning to Isla
Mujeres! Now bigger and better with international acts & artists,
lasting almost two hours! Great circus for the children with Mickey
Mouse & premiering Peppa Pig! Gala Event! Short Run Don't Miss it! Link to their FB page.

Sun.
Jan. 28 Noches Magicas on the Town Square at 8p will feature a
presentation of the Kings & Queens of Carnaval in all categories

Tues. Jan. 30 Aguakan is announcing that the tap water supply to certain areas
of Cancun, and Isla Mujeres, may be affectedwhen they conduct preventative maintenance replacing the circulation valves at the pumping station by the Cancun Airport.

Sources for Weather Information:LINK to Civil Protection Q Roo weather bulletin (Spanish)LINK to Mexico National Weather Service (Spanish) LINK
to satellite images for the Mexico National Weather Service (Yucatan
peninsula is under Satellite GOES Este, I recommend "Animacion" (it used
to be in my blog margin, until Blogger became incompatible with it).LINK to a private weather station on Isla Mujeres

MVC B&B Sponsors This Blog

Click on the graphic to visit our website

...

MVC Guests from Ontario wrote...

We have returned to Maravilla Caribe and we consider it to be a gem. Is it a luxurious resort? No. On the other hand, it's the kind of place where you feel comfortable sitting outside with a beer and watching the ocean, reading all afternoon in a hammock or going for a long walk along the shore. To sit on the patio with a plate of fresh fruit and a cup of coffee is my idea of the perfect morning. It's like having your own little private beach cottage - it's not fancy but that's not what we're looking for. A 15 minute walk takes you into the busy little town, full of great little restaurants and shops, and a $3 taxi ride will get you just about anywhere on the island. The landlord is friendly, accommodating and genuinely cares about and knows the local community. For anyone who wants a lavish package vacation, this obviously isn't the place for you - there are plenty of resorts that will fit your needs. Maravilla is a simple, lovely place to get away from it all.

Visits Since June 2011

Taunya from Washington wrote

Hi Ronda,

I want to say thank you again for a fabulous vacation! Your studio was perfect! Having the extra space, kitchenette and dinning table made the space perfect for a long stay. Your little details like coffee filters and ice cube trays made it feel like home. I also really appreciated that you were there if I needed anything, but that you also let me have my space.

Being out of downtown, yet close to everything made the location perfect. Add the beautiful beach and it couldn't have been any better!

Thank you so much! When I return to Isla I will be back on your doorstep. Happy Holidays!

MaraVilla Caribe Bed & Beach Guests Say..

Judy from Ohio wrote...I stayed at Maravilla and absolutely loved it. Beach and patio was kept very clean and since handicapped I would spend the days on patio with my laptop at table right outside my room. Each room had table/chairs in front of room. Not many places on isla you have the beach right outside your door-saves alot of money instead of renting beach chairs and buying drinks downtown. I also do not like crowded beaches and stacks of chairs next to each other as on the north beaches. You hear absolutely no street noise just the waves hitting the shore. There were bikes free to use, beachchairs free to take to downtown, and free washer/dryer to use. The price is excellent value and the owners live there so they do not need to list with an agency giving renters better $ value. Isla is not for everyone. But condo/luxury hotels now line the once beautiful North Beach for those wanting the Cancun version of places to stay, so sad, plus $$$$. I prefer peace,quiet, and great value. Not many places with sunrise/sunset views.

Renee from Toronto wrote...

For some of us, there comes a time when we prefer peace and quiet to hustle and bustle. For a few regrettable years, I got off buses and lined up with the rest of the schmucks to check in for the all inclusive 'experience'. I set the alarm daily to head down with everyone else to make dinner reservations for the pleasure of eating soggy Sushi served by brusque Bahamians. I wore the wristband of shame, identifying me as an easy mark on any excursion. I tipped and cajoled the bartender for extra shots of rum. I listened to the drunken monologues of people who get to cut loose just once a year. With the all inclusive experience, your fate is not entirely your own...

And then I tried something else, the self catering experience - more a case of here's your key, here's your apartment, have fun! Settle in, stock your fridge, stock your bar and you're off to the races. Happy hour is whenever you choose. No lining up at a buffet. Snorkel on your own time. Open a bottle of wine and cook a leisurely dinner - no one's rushing you out for the next seating. Sleep in and eat breakfast when you want, don't worry about the dining room being closed.

That's the experience I prefer these days. And Mara Villa doesn't disappoint. You get exactly what you pay for: a clean and comfortable room with everything you need. The experience is great for people who like to 'do their own thing.' In essence, staying at Mara Villa is like having your own private beachfront villa.

Amenities include good wifi, towels, sheets, dishes, pots and pans, a fridge and freezer, drinking water, hammock hooks, and a clothesline. Bonuses include a patio with tables and chairs, a charcoal BBQ, a beach for watching the sun rise over the water, and a rooftop for watching the sun set over Cancun (also good for star gazing and extreme suntanning).

The local bus passes by the front door and costs 4 pesos to head downtown. A taxi is about $2 into town. Chedraui, the big grocery store, is less than 10 minutes away by foot. Grab a cheap cab home if you've really stocked up.

Ronda is a great host - a storehouse of island information about where to eat and what to do. Bruce, her husband, is an avid snorkeler and can point you in the best direction off their private beach for underwater wildlife. I was lucky enough to see dolphins swimming offshore one day. Close to shore I also saw a barracuda, a sting ray and a pair of graceful Caribbean squid. The usual tropical fish abound as well.

It's worth noting that Mara Villa is located on the east side of the island, windward. The shore is more dramatic and rocky, but there are very few, if any, mosquitos. The west side of the island is calmer and more traditionally 'beachy', but mosquitoes abound at dawn and dusk. With the rocky shore, you need water shoes for entering the water and swimming, but you have the beach all to yourself at Mara Villa. Head to the sublimely Caribbean style North Beach if you miss the crowds.

I spent almost a month at Mara Villa and it was the calm, casual and relaxing experience I craved. I will be back to Mara Villa, but I won't ever go back to an all inclusive.

Call or WhatsApp (01) 998 937 8014

Click here for link to menus from most of your favorite restaurants & more information.

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Jane C from Penland wrote...

My friend and I just stayed at Maravilla Caribe, December 20-25, 2012 and we had an absolutely wonderful experience. The owner, Ronda made me feel comfortable before I arrived, providing helpful information about travel to the area. She made an extra effort to secure a larger room for us, which was perfect. Maravilla is quaint, charming, clean & comfortable. We loved the bright green color of the house! The kitchenette was simple, clean and well equipped with everything we needed to prepare meals. The beds are very comfortable and Ronda provides lots of clean towels. She even offered to let us use the washer/dryer and bicycles for free! The best part (other than the low cost) is you have your own private beach in the back! It is a beautiful place that I highly recommend.

Carol D from Peterborough wrote.....

Hello I stayed at MaraVilla, la Casa Verde :-), Dec 10 to 20 this 2012 for my first time and would not hesitate to return. This is my 11th year staying on the island and I have stayed at many places. The location is amazing, and the owners have modified the patio doors so that those of us who want to hear the waves all night can do so with security. They were super helpful at every turn and what meant the most to me is that they really care about their guests and are friendly. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch together. The room was spacious and clean. At MaraVilla there are only 3 rooms facing the water so it is peaceful, quiet and private. At MaraVilla, there were workers out painting the house in front and raking the beach and it was well maintained. There were no rocks on the clean tile patio. you do need water shoes to wade in to the water but it is worth it. And if you want to go to a more perfect beach i.e. no reef etc then one could go and pay 150-200+ per night at Playa Norte (but you won't hear the waves from your bed or have the privacy or owners that care about you!!). The bed was comfortable, mattress good, sheets in good shape and clean (more than i can say about the place i had the misfortune of staying in Progresso!!). Honestly you get what you pay for in this world and if you were to go to Tulum, or San Filipe or Progresso you are sure getting much more bang for your buck at MaraVilla in the 50-65 dollar range!!! If you are a 5 star resort person I would say stay at a 5 star resort, but if you enjoy the waves, quiet, privacy and caring owners then stay at this MaraVilla the Casa Verde :-)

Noska from Austin wrote....Maravilla is one of the coolest little spots on the isla.The hosts are awesome,location perfect,rooms are clean and affordable

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Music:

Fayne's has late night live music, starts ~10p

El Patio House of Music on Hidlago has live music evenings, usually HH show 5p, continues at 7p.